Scott Library offers direct access to over 40 databases in virtually every area of the health sciences. Sometimes, though, researchers need to go beyond the reach of MEDLINE and other clinical resources, to seek out materials in databases devoted to chemistry or the life sciences.

For those topics, if you "must" do all your own searching, your free choices are limited to in-library use of the more interdisciplinary Science Citation Index. They're good, as far as they go, but suppose what you really need is authoritative, in-depth coverage of the chemical literature? Have we got a deal for you!

Faculty, students and staff of TJU may request BIOSIS (Biological Abstracts) or Chemical Abstracts searches for free, to be performed by librarians. You may be present during the search, if you wish. The library absorbs the cost, not only of the online database(s) used, but of the librarian's time, as well. That's different from the usual search service, where you pay $25 for the librarian and variable rates depending on databases searched.

Why are BIOSIS and Chemical Abstracts free? The library considers them to be "core" services, needed to support the research being done on our campus. We used to subscribe to the print indexes, back in the pre-electronic days. In fact, the old volumes still inhabit the 4th floor for anyone who wants to do really historical work. Yes - we still get into them from time to time!

Both services grew to be impossibly expensive, though, and direct subscription to the databases is even worse. So how can they be free to you? The library actually saves money by buying access on an as-needed basis, instead of having open-ended, open-access electronic or print subscriptions. That's literally "tens of thousands" of dollars saved.

So don't hesitate to request the service, whether you need it to satisfy an IACUC review, explore new research in plant transgenics, or locate a synthetic method. You may even request the search with a handy online form. A librarian will consult with you on your topic before performing the search, and will invite you to participate in it.

What about patents, drug literature, bioengineering and other fields? For these more peripheral subjects, Scott Library offers a fee-based searching service. The library has access to hundreds of databases on specialty topics, but you will need to pay some money toward the cost of the search.

• Contact the Reference Desk (215-503-8150) for further information about free and fee-based searches, or to order a search.